Scott Arfield seeks out Michael Beale as Rangers hero rings up two allies before management debut decision

Arfield sought advice from Beale and Hughes before taking his first permanent management role at East Fife.

Scott Arfield has been named player-manager of East Fife, replacing Dick Campbell at Bayview. The 38-year-old, who spent five years at Rangers from 2018, consulted two former managers before accepting the role: Michael Beale, now at Belgian club Zulte Waregem, and John Hughes, who gave him his debut at Falkirk in 2007.

Arfield said Beale was "absolutely delighted" when he called for guidance, noting that few players can transition directly into top management roles. He cited Steven Gerrard's path through academy coaching at Liverpool as an example of the necessary progression.

Beale, who worked in academy football at Liverpool and Chelsea, provided tactical analysis. Hughes, who has experience in part-time football, has also been offering "great pointers" to Arfield, whom he has known since the player was 15.